Eleven Rooms In Two Days. "This Old House."

Twenty years ago when I was doing "This Old House" we had to stick to a rigid television schedule and we put together 11 rooms (FURNITURE, DRAPERY, BEDDING, DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES ETC.) in record time...two days. It was a great project and I remember the secret: detailed pre-planning and a marvelous staff. What a great project.

Lighting Can Be A Room's Most Important Accessory.

I spent quite some time developing my table/floor lamp collection for Craftmade. I wanted collectible pieces of art inspired by antiques I had collected or observed in museums throughout the world. The shades are all Sunbrella from my Sunbrella fabric collections so they will wear extremely well. The Santibol lamp (76030) was inspired by an Italian oil lamp and gives any space a sense of history. That is a coral motif on the sides.
Our Belgravia (76000) table lamp is an award winner (Casual Furniture Show) because it is designed for interior or exterior use.
The Florentine Lamp (76050) can bring romance into any room.

Mario Buatta's Design Talents.

This lovely installation by Mario Buatta is so reminiscent of famed English decorator Nancy Lancaster and her design colleague, John Fowler. Both of these decorators influenced Mario in this delightful decor that brings the spirit of English decorating to the 21st Century.

photos: New York Social Diary

Malibu Style

There is something about "Malibu Style" that makes you want to kick back and enjoy the lifestyle: ocean breezes, sun and fresh healthy air. I guess you could call it sophisticated, casual. I like the architecture open to the elements and naturally formed tables with simple glass tops and of course lots of easy care, heavy wear Sunbrella fabrics. Put you feet up and enjoy.

Pictured: front porch at James Pearse and tables and upholstery from Malibu Market & Design.

What Made Designer Billy Baldwin Great

Billy Baldwin had a way of making any space comfortable and sleek. I especially liked the way he used screens to set-off a space and bring architecture into a room. He was also a master at "small spaces" and could make even a tiny apartment extremely elegant.

Billy Baldwin was a decorator's decorator and he had not only a marvelous personal style but he had a comfortable sleek, transitional style of decorating; long before the word transitional was used. I salute this legend with my own take on his comfortable way of making a house a home. In this room I have used Sunbrella fabrics Frank, Trax and Origami; all the upholstery is from Miles Talbott Joe Ruggiero Collection.

Fall Fabric Preview JR/Sunbrella

Here are some early photos of fabrics I will introduce this fall at Miles Talbott. After a week of selecting and editing my Sunbrella collection, I have created the introductions for Fall 2010. Here are two of the patterns in the color group "baked clay." This combination of grey and beige tones seems to be extremely popular for the interiors business as well as what we have seen on the runways.

This is a prime example of influences from many countries and international design influences.
The geometric texture Romeo/Parchment speaks to me of Chanel suits and Moonshine/Slate was inspired by Japanese drawings and art deco murals of the 20's and 30's. I am planning on combinations of textures and patterns for the High Point showroom at Miles Talbott in October.

Spring Market Colors.

1. Getting ready for Spring Furniture Market's Introductions! I am finalizing plans for the JR/Miles Talbott showroom. Which of my Sunbrella color schemes do you like the most?
2. Blue & White Story.
3. Tuscan Golds and Sage Greens.
4. Sandy Beige
5. Malibu Mist (Grey)
6. Lipstick Red & Creamy White. Let me know your thoughts!

Rose Hall, Jamaica:Historic Houses

One of the most memorable houses in my travels was Rose Hall, Jamaica West Indies. This perfect example of Georgian design built overlooking the sea is thought to be haunted by a woman who liked getting rid of her husbands, ouch! Pictured: Karyn Millet who organized the trip for HGTV and my daughter Beth who produced and researched the hour television program:The Best of Jamaican Design.

The Barrymore Chair From Miles Talbott

Believe it or not this is one of our best selling frames for Ten Years! I named it after John Barrymore because of the distinctive profile (A young designer I met thought it was named after Drew Barrymore.) Covered in Sunbrella fabric Ping/Dune. The pillow is inspired by Indonesian designs called Jakarta. Even the decorative gimp on the skirt is Sunbrella. All from my collection at Miles Talbott.

Preparation For Holiday Guests

Designer Marshall Watson prepares for guests this week. Make sure the guest room is prepped with handy phone, pad and pen; good books, proper lighting, fresh flowers ( Be certain there are no allergies. My brother-in-law can not have flowers anywhere near the bed! ) So important to have your guests feel at home. HomeGoods is a great store to get new linens for the bed and bath. I especially like their Italian imported ones at great savings. It's the little things that count.

Westfield Collection by Joe Ruggiero

It is a beautiful day in LA today with a little crisp in the air! Here is a view just outside my studio/office. I like the Westfield Collection I designed for Miles Talbott because it is so flexible. I can mix and match the various pieces of the modular group to accommodate the number of people; today I have George Jordan from Miles Talbott and Greg Voorhis & Greg Rosendale from Sunbrella to discuss Spring introductions and fabric selections. Speaking of Sunbrella fabric, the covers are Trax/Persimmon piped in Trax/Mink and the pillow is Flower Power. We'll be able to work outside. (That's me in the background getting ready. I will have to add more pieces for my visitors!)

Miles Redd Uses Decorative Lattice.

I really admire designer Miles Redd and how he used decorative lattice on his New York terrace. The company Accents of France has many options for this traditional French technique of using lattice indoors and outdoors.

Check out Accentsoffrance.com for many more ideas!

Ruggiero Introduces New Fall Fabric.

The falling leaves drift by my window and on to my new Sunbrella fabric called Royal Oaks in the Wren coloration. This is now ready for quick delivery at Miles Talbott Furniture. The right fabric for interior or exterior design. How flexible is that?

The Joe Ruggiero Collection What's New

Black,White & Blue

On a visit to Round Hill, Jamaica, I was taken by the decor of the lounge designed by Ralph Lauren. I call it Black, White & Blue. The striking combination of the black & white photos of all kinds of celebs that have visited the resort and blue & white fabric on the upholstery against a white wall was a refreshing look for this tropical island "get away" but it is great for any home. I am working on a blue & white theme (nothing unusual but with a surprise twist) for my Sunbrella introductions this spring. Stay tuned!

November "What's New" Joe Ruggiero

Exciting month ahead as we launch our Gallery with great partners. Miles Talbott for upholstery; Sunbrella, kid friendly fabrics; Gat Creek, "Made in America" solid wood furniture,Craftmade lighting collection which was very well received at its' introduction; W.King Ambler, limited edition art from my own collection created on my travels, and Casa Fiora/ Sunbrella custom bedding & drapery program.

Beautiful Setting for a Grand Party

What a beautiful setting for a grand party to honor Norman Mailer at the Ciprianni. It really doesn't get much better than this with such an amazing space in Manhattan.

My Inspirations from Japan

Japanese design continues to influence many of my fabric,case goods and upholstery. The clean simple lines make for serene interiors. Sunbrella, has been able to capture many of these rich silks and tapestries from documents I have purchased in Japan...amazing!

Good To Be Home!

Great to be back to California after a wonderful Furniture Market. We are happy with the reactions to all the new products and the new Sunbrella Fabrics. Many thanks to all the Miles Talbott staff and executives for making this our best market ever! Also welcome to all our new licensees: Casa Fiora, Craftmade and W.King Ambler.

There's No Place Like Home!

Home is a great place when you can put your feet up on the sofa and not worry about it. With my Sunbrella fabrics you can enjoy a good book and not worry about spilling anything or not being able to use a certain piece of furniture. My goal is to let every room be enjoyed by the whole family!